1 in 4 tested for COVID in Mobile, Baldwin counties are testing positive

MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — Covid is on the rise again. 1 in 4 people that get tested for Covid-19 are testing positive in Mobile and Baldwin Counties.

Doctors say due to the rise in cases in the summer, we could have a hard time in the fall.

"I know people are tired of hearing about it, but Covid has not gotten tired of wreaking havoc," said Chief Medical Officer for the Alabama Department of Public Health, Dr. Karen Landers.

Doctors are saying Covid is still as big of a threat now as it was in 2020.

"We have a more infectious omicron sub variant circulating right now, we have waning immunity- we need more people to get vaccinated and get their boosters and we're also seeing a lot more socializing a lot more gathering," said director of disease surveillance of the mobile county health department. Dr. Rendi Murphree.

Murphree says with cases rising she has concerns.

"Covid-19 has claimed more than a million Americans in the United States since cases began in 2020 and we still are seeing hospitalizations and deaths, so that's really our biggest concern is trying not to overwhelm the healthcare system" said Dr. Murphree.

Dr. Murphree recommends that anyone who is eligible gets vaccinated and boosted- otherwise we could run into some trouble in the fall.

"I think it's going to be tough for schools because we still have very low vaccine coverage in 5 to 11 year olds or 11 to 17 year olds. Vaccination coverage in those age groups are still really low, so it’s going to be tougher to stop the spread in schools," said Murphree.

Dr. Landers agrees; saying kids are a vulnerable target for newer and more contagious strains of Covid.

"This virus finds a place and of course young kids will be a place for this virus to confine, to infect, to cause disease ,and spread disease to others," said Dr. Landers.

The doctors say if you are still feeling unsure about getting vaccinated- talk with your doctor.

To see our state's Covid statistics